Each year the Fraternity is proud to recognize achievements in the fraternal world and greater community.

ZBT will celebrate the contributions of three brothers at 2026 International Convention in Scottsdale. These people have had an incredible impact on the Fraternity, our Mission, the state of California communities, and many individual brothers.

We hope you will consider joining us as we pay tribute to the impact and legacy of these brothers and friends in late July.

Man of Distinction

The Man of Distinction Award was created to honor those brothers who reach the apex of their various involvements. Through their life’s work, these men exemplify the Brotherhood of Zeta Beta Tau.

Robert “Bob” Arum

Gamma (New York University) 1953

Brother Arum is founder and CEO of Top Rank boxing, which has promoted many notable fighters. After graduating from NYU, he received a degree from Harvard Law School, and first worked as an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice during the Kennedy administration. His early work in the DOJ lead to his connections to the boxing industry that ultimately became a storied career.

He is a noted philanthropist, particularly through Keep Memory Alive, a facility that develops treatments and cures for diseases affecting the brain through the Cleveland Clinic and its fight against dementia. Brother Arum is a major supporter of the Jewish community in general and the Las Vegas Jewish community specifically.

Edwin N. Sommer Award

The Sommer Award is presented to a ZBT alumnus for selfless dedication to the ideals of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.

Hon. Steve L. Cooley

Gamma Nu (California State University – Los Angeles) 1970

Brother Cooley is a prominent Los Angeles area attorney. Cooley reshaped and revitalized the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in his term in the DA role, serving from 2000-2012. Among the achievements of his years in office were his crackdown on corrupt politicians, his enforcement of an open meeting law and emphasis on the prosecution of unsolved cold cases. In 2012, he founded Steve Cooley & Associates, a legal consulting firm. A brother from the Gamma Nu Chapter at CSULA, Cooley graduated from the USC Law Center in 1973 and joined the District Attorney’s Office the same year.

Man of the Year

Created to honor those Brothers who reach the apex of their various involvements. These men, through their life’s work, exemplify the teachings of Zeta Beta Tau’s Ritual and the commitment we make, as Brothers of ZBT, to better the communities in which we live.

Jesse Itzler

Beta Psi (American University) 1990

Brother Itzler is a New York Times best selling author, entrepreneur, endurance athlete and speaker involved in many enterprises. He co-founded Marquis Jet, is a co-owner of Zico Coconut Water and part owner of the Atlanta Hawks. He is passionate about the cause of “Fitlanthropy,” merging extreme fitness challenges with charitable giving. He rode his bike across America and participated in #2017ofEverything, where he donated money to Special Operations Warrior Foundation for every participant who completed a set of exercises. He regularly runs 100-mile races to fund his 10 favorite charities and gives significantly to Jewish community organizations.

Heritage Award

The Heritage Award was created in 2005 to be presented occasionally, but no more than once per year, to a member of the Jewish community who distinguishes himself or herself in a communal, philanthropic, artistic, or professional endeavor.

The 2026 honoree is the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman University in Los Angeles. ZBT will recognize the facility and its leaders in the fall at Chapman.

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